Dehradun: As the Uttarakhand hills become blanketed with snow amid recent rains and snowfall, the state is experiencing a surge of tourists with the New Year just two days away.
Amidst New year celebrations, the Uttarakhand government is busy making extensive preparations to welcome tourists and ensure their festivities are memorable. To accommodate tourists’ huge influx, the state government has made special provisions. Restaurants, hotels, and dhabas will remain open around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Heavy influx of tourists
Over the past fortnight, the state has experienced continuous rains and snowfall, boosting people’s enthusiasm to celebrate the New Year amidst the picturesque landscapes in hills. As a result, hotels and homestays at popular hill stations such as Nainital, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Chakrata, Chopta, Kausani, and Auli have been fully booked well in advance. Along with this, the traffic congestion in Manali and Shimla routes has also turned many tourists towards Uttarakhand’s serene valleys.
Government arrangements for the tourists
Ensuring tourists’ convenience, an official order has been issued to keep hospitality establishments open around the clock, accommodating the anticipated large number of visitors. To cater to the tourists’ needs and ensure an enjoyable stay, the state government has made special arrangements, including keeping restaurants, hotels, and dhabas open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This initiative, authorized by Shiv Vibhuti Ranjan, Deputy Secretary of the Labour Department, aligns with the Uttarakhand Shops and Establishments (Employment, Regulation and Service Conditions) Act 2017. Workers in these establishments are also allowed to work in both day and night shifts under specific conditions.
Security measures have been implemented to ensure safety
Tourism-related businesses such as hotels, travel agencies, guides, cab drivers, and handicraft sellers are hopeful that the influx of tourists will significantly boost their income. The government is also focusing on managing traffic in various cities to prevent jams and enhance the tourist experience. Security measures have been implemented to ensure safety and seamless celebrations.
State government is keen to capitalize on this opportunity
With just a few days left until the New Year, the excitement among tourists has doubled, especially due to the snowfall in various hill stations over the past fortnight. The state government is keen to capitalize on this opportunity and make the New Year celebrations in Uttarakhand truly special. Digvijay Singh Bisht, President of the Nainital Hotel Association, said, “For the first time since the pandemic struck in 2020, we are witnessing an unprecedented footfall of tourists in Nainital. Not only is December 31 fully booked, but the upcoming weekend is also completely reserved.”
